Pontiac GTO Timeline

In 2014, the Pontiac GTO brand will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Though these iconic three little letters are gone from showrooms -- as are the Pontiac showrooms themselves -- their legacy of large engines in midsize cars still dominates the enthusiast world.

1964: Pontiac introduced the GTO to much fanfare (and much chagrin, if you’re Ferrari).

1965: The Tri-power 389’s rating increased 12 hp to reach 360 hp, and sales more than doubled. The Ram Air accessory was introduced.

1966: The GTO became its own model instead of a package, and the curvy new body was a hit with buyers as GTO production increased to an all-time high of 96,946. The little-known “XS” 389 Ram Air motor was introduced mid-year.

1967: The 400 replaced the 389, the 400 Ram Air received more visibility, and the TH400 automatic (with optional Hurst Dual/Gate shifter) replaced the two-speed automatic.

1968: A complete redesign with Endura rubber bumper helped garner a Motor Trend Car of the Year win. The mid-year replacement for the Ram Air 400 -- Ram Air II -- was the first of the round-port Ponchos.

1969: Here comes the Judge! With pop art graphics and signature day-glow Carousel Red paint, it set the tone for muscle-car–era excess.

1970: Along with a sleek facelift, the 455ci engine was introduced. Sales tumbled to less than half of ’68’s total.

1971: The engine compression ratio was reduced, but the round-port 455 HO (the replacement for the Ram Air IV) showed that Pontiac engineers continued to seek improvements. The Judge was discontinued mid-year after 374 (including 17 convertibles) were built.

1972: The GTO reverted back to an option package. Convertibles disappeared and the post coupe reappeared.

1973: The new Colonnade design debuted. The Super Duty 455 was theoretically offered, but none were produced. It was the worst year for GTO sales with 4,312 built.

1974: The GTO was based on the X-body Ventura platform, with an engine smaller than 400 ci.

2004: Australians contributed to the GTO’s revival, but Americans never warmed up to its nondescript styling. The LS1 engine made it hot.

2005: Hoodscoops appeared, along with the LS2 with 50 more horses.

2006: A total of 40,808 GTOs were sold in three model years.

2010: The Pontiac brand and dealers cease to do business after 84 years.